Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Longmen Caves are ancient Buddhist cave temples located in China. They are known for their intricate carvings and statues, which were created during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties.
Related terms
Buddhist art: Artworks that depict themes related to Buddhism, such as Buddha statues, mandalas, or scenes from Buddhist scriptures.
Carvings: The process of cutting or shaping a material (in this case, stone) to create a desired design or pattern.
Northern Wei and Tang dynasties: Historical periods in China when the Longmen Caves were constructed and flourished as important centers of religious activity.